Auburn man convicted of second-degree murder in deadly stabbing

Judge rejects mental illness defense, sentences Daniel Nachtsheim to 25 years to life in prison

Mar. 27, 2026 at 10:56am

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A 62-year-old Auburn man has been found guilty of second-degree murder for a 2022 stabbing that left another man dead. Despite claims from the defense that the defendant couldn't grasp reality during the attack due to mental illness, the judge rejected that argument and convicted Daniel Nachtsheim, who now faces 25 years to life in prison when he is sentenced next month.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing challenges in the criminal justice system when it comes to balancing public safety concerns with considerations of mental health and culpability. The judge's decision to reject the mental illness defense in this case could set a precedent for future cases involving defendants with documented histories of mental illness.

The details

Prosecutors argued that Nachtsheim understood his actions during the fatal stabbing of 45-year-old Michael Dennison inside an Auburn home in 2022. While defense attorneys claimed Nachtsheim couldn't grasp reality at the time due to his mental illness, the judge ultimately found him guilty of second-degree murder.

  • The stabbing incident occurred in 2022.
  • Nachtsheim was convicted on March 27, 2026.
  • He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 23, 2026.

The players

Daniel Nachtsheim

A 62-year-old Auburn resident who was convicted of second-degree murder for a 2022 stabbing that left another man dead.

Michael Dennison

The 45-year-old victim who was fatally stabbed by Nachtsheim in 2022.

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What they’re saying

“We must hold those who commit violent crimes accountable, regardless of mental health considerations.”

— Prosecutor

“The judge's decision is a troubling precedent that fails to properly address the role of mental illness in this case.”

— Defense Attorney

What’s next

Nachtsheim is scheduled to be sentenced on April 23, 2026, where he faces 25 years to life in prison.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in the criminal justice system when it comes to balancing public safety concerns with considerations of mental health and culpability. The judge's decision to reject the mental illness defense could set a precedent for future cases, raising questions about how the system handles defendants with documented histories of mental illness.